novelhk Page 246
Page 246
“I’ve never seen anything in the crystal ball!” she said, clutching her long hair in frustration.
As she stepped onto the spiral silver staircase, her thoughts were completely absorbed by the knowledge points contained in the crystal ball.
Levin was worried about her condition and accompanied her all the way to the classroom door.
Before she entered the classroom, Levin suggested, "Divination class is inherently mysterious, and there are never any standard answers to the exams. If all else fails, just make up a prophecy about something you'll encounter and you'll pass. Given Professor Trelawney's perverse sense of humor, if the prophecy is about your misfortune, then you might even get a high score."
“Thank you, Levin, but lying for grades… I can’t do that,” Hermione finally shook her head. “I don’t want to be a hypocrite.”
They'd rather fail the exam than take a legitimate shortcut.
This behavior is considered foolish by many people.
But in Levin's view, this was precisely Hermione's unique charm.
"Alright, Hermione, do as you wish."
Levin gave the girl a comforting hug.
“That’s exactly what I admire about you, Hermione. Don’t put pressure on yourself. Even if you fail the divination test, you’re still the smartest little witch in my eyes.”
"If all else fails, I'll teach you more accurate divination spells during the summer vacation."
"Um"
Hermes nodded excitedly.
"Hermione Granger!" That familiar, dreamlike voice floated from above.
Hermione composed herself, said goodbye to Levin, and resolutely walked onto the stage.
In Levin's eyes, the girl's back view was full of determination and courage, as if she were facing death without fear.
It was just an exam...
The room at the top of this tower was unusually hot.
Despite it being the height of summer, the curtains were tightly drawn, and the flames burning in the fireplace released their usual pungent aroma, making the atmosphere inside feel even more oppressive.
Hermione instinctively covered her mouth and nose, trying to alleviate the pungent aroma.
She deftly darted across the scattered tables and chairs and approached Professor Trelawney, who was sitting in front of the giant crystal ball.
“Good evening, Granger,” Professor Trelawney said softly, with a hint of barely perceptible indifference in his voice, “Please look at this crystal ball…observe it slowly…and then tell me what you see…”
"Although I don't see any halo around you, you can still give it a try."
Hermione leaned down, her eyes fixed on the crystal ball.
The white mist swirled slowly inside the sphere, drifting and ethereal.
She stared intently, trying to discern the patterns or shadows within.
In the dim light, she seemed to see two figures, embracing tightly and spinning around in a swift and elegant dance.
"How was it?" Professor Trelawney asked softly, a hint of urgency in his voice. "What did you see?"
“I saw two people, uh—” Hermione stared intently at the crystal ball and said seriously, “They seem to be dancing!”
“Dancing? Are you sure?” Professor Trelawney pressed. “Are you really sure, child?”
“Yes, it’s dancing,” Hermione answered firmly, trusting her judgment.
Professor Trelawney looked up at Hermione's head again, then stood up and walked toward the crystal ball.
She stretched out her hands, gently turned the crystal ball, and then examined it closely.
After a long while, she turned to Hermione, her expression showing a complex surprise.
“I apologize to you, Granger,” she said softly. “My actions were too hasty. Your talent is truly astonishing, to have seen such a vision in such a short time.”
After a moment's thought, she continued, "Now, I see your aura; you truly possess a talent for divination. Please don't waste this talent."
Hermione could hardly believe her ears.
What did she just hear?
Professor Trelawney not only did not question her, but also affirmed her talent.
Poor Miss Granger, perhaps the first divination lesson left such a deep impression on her that it left her with a profound psychological trauma.
She didn't realize that she was no longer the same person she used to be.
The permanent attribute elixir not only increased her intelligence but also her perception.
Perception includes not only the five senses, but also the sixth sense.
This attribute encompasses perceptions of God, of the forces of nature, and of the future.
At this point, how could she not have a talent for prophecy?
Feeling anxious and uncertain, Hermione suddenly looked up, trying to see Professor Trelawney's expression.
Professor Trelawney was marking a grade next to her name, and Hermione noticed it was a circle—representing an O.
Hermione was finally relieved.
After letting out a sigh of relief, the girl stood up, bowed respectfully, picked up her schoolbag, and turned to leave, only to hear a loud and piercing sound behind her.
"It'll be soon!"
Hermione turned around abruptly and saw Professor Trelawney sitting upright in his armchair, his eyes glazed over and his mouth agape.
A thought flashed through her mind, and Hermione covered her mouth, afraid of disturbing Professor Traulini.
Professor Trelawney's eyes began to dart around wildly. That shrill voice resurfaced from her throat, completely unlike her usual tone.
"The Dark Lord lies there alone, friendless, abandoned by his followers. His servant has suffered in chains for twelve years... This servant will break free of his chains and set out to reunite with his master. With the servant's help, the Dark Lord will rise again, stronger and more terrifying than before."
Professor Trelawney's head drooped to his chest, and he made a muffled sound.
Then, suddenly, her head lifted up again.
“I’m sorry, my dear child,” she mumbled sleepily, “it’s so hot, you know… I might have dozed off…”
Hermione looked at her in horror.
Is something wrong, darling?
"You—you just told me that—that the Dark Lord is going to rise again…that his servants are going to return to his side…"
Professor Trelawney looked utterly shocked.
"The Dark Lord? That person whose name is not even daring to be mentioned? My dear child, that's no joke... A comeback, my God—"
"But that's what you just said! You said the Dark Lord—"
“I suppose you’re asleep too, my dear!” said Professor Trelawney. “I certainly couldn’t have predicted something so outrageous!”
Hermione stumbled down the ladder and spiral staircase, her mind still replaying the words she had just heard and Levin's assessment of Trelawney—that she truly possessed a talent for divination, but one that couldn't be taught to others.
She felt that she might have just heard Professor Trelawney make a real prophecy.
If that's true...
Hermione's heart sank; the joy of getting an O in Divination had vanished into thin air.
If the Dark Lord's rise was destined, then what could someone as insignificant as her possibly do?
Hermione thought of Jaina and her friends, who were on high alert at the Ministry of Magic, and of the Society of the Learned.
When the girl saw Levin again, she collapsed into his arms, completely helpless.
Chapter 268 Advice for Sirius
In the sweltering summer heat, the final event of the Broad Knowledge Society was held as scheduled.
Although the sun was scorching hot, the indoor space was like a cool icebox thanks to the [Constant Temperature Technique], bringing a rare sense of coolness.
The long table was piled high with a variety of chilled drinks: large glasses of butterbeer, sherry juice, and fruit syrup, exuding a cool and tempting aroma.
The various pastries are like works of art, making them irresistible to taste: blueberry shortbread, raisin scones, cinnamon sugar bread, apple pie, strawberry cheesecake, caramel banana tart, butter cookies, and more—a dazzling array, each one brimming with irresistible charm.
Padma Petit elegantly savored her raisin scones and said contentedly, "I've noticed that everyone who attends the society does well on their exams! I passed every subject."
Steve proudly showed everyone his newly handed-out report card, exclaiming in surprise, "I actually passed Herbalism class!"
“That’s not surprising. Hermione highlighted so many important points for everyone and even photocopied her notes for us. It’s been a huge help to our studies,” Padma replied, her voice filled with gratitude.
Steve looked at Levin, who was stepping onto the podium.
"Quiet down, everyone!" Levin's voice echoed throughout the classroom.
"First of all, congratulations to everyone on your excellent results in the final exams," Levin said with a smile. "Everyone's efforts have paid off. It is clear that our Broad Knowledge Society's courses are very necessary and helpful to everyone."
Upon hearing this, the young wizards below nodded repeatedly.
"In order to further enhance communication among everyone, and to ensure that senior students can support each other after graduation, we will organize a gathering during the summer."
He paused, then continued, "We will issue a batch of badges for the Broad Knowledge Society, both as a symbol of the Society and as a notification."
As he spoke, Levin waved his hand, and badges flew out of a small bag, landing in front of each of the young wizards present.
The badge is made of metal with a gold and silver finish and features an exquisite "intelligence" symbol.
Upon seeing the badge, the young wizards couldn't help but cheer.
This badge is not only a symbol of honor, but also a bond that closely connects them with the Institute of Liberal Arts.
The Levin-organized Knowledge Club not only provided everyone with knowledge and skills, but also enhanced friendships and communication among classmates during the training camp.
Everyone is looking forward to the summer activities, believing it will be a more free and fun time.
Unlike the cheerful atmosphere of the training camp, Harry Potter was in a very low mood.
Professor Lupin, using the excuse of needing to help Sirius Black manage the Black family business, submitted his resignation to Headmaster Dumbledore.
Of course, that wasn't the whole reason. Considering the curse associated with this position, Lu Ping was afraid that if he continued, he would meet with misfortune.
In addition, the intense malice emanating from Snape also worried him.
The other party was even capable of openly implying he was a werewolf while substituting for a teacher.
If he didn't know better, he suspected Snape would announce the news to everyone.
Harry was not only heavy-hearted at Professor Lupin's resignation, but also disappointed at not being able to live with Sirius.
He couldn't understand why Headmaster Dumbledore was so determined to oppose their living together, and why his respected godfather so easily succumbed to this unreasonable demand.